Day 30-Witness Kindness

Yesterday, we took the necessary first step: we chose to honor that younger, messier version of us. Today, it’s time to fully step through that door with radical, heart-centered kindness and compassion.

For years, I let my inner critic run the show, exhausting myself with endless judgment over past decisions—the career choice that flopped, the relationship I clung to long past its expiration date. That constant mental critique just depleted my present energy.

Now, I simply observe that past self. I see the version of me who was scrambling, who was hurt, who was just trying her best to navigate a heavy storm. And I realize she doesn't need a stern lecture; she needs a warm, understanding hug. She deserves grace.

I invite you to turn that same loving gaze toward your own history. Think of a challenging period or a younger version of you making choices that seem baffling now. Your only job is to simply be a compassionate witness to their story.

They made decisions based on the information, the tools, and the emotional capacity they had then. It's time to let go of the "should haves" and extend them the same kindness you’d offer a dear friend. Give them a break. This practice of witnessing without judgment is the most powerful catalyst for healing.

Word of the Day

"The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love." — Psalm 103:8 (NIV)

Psalm 103:8 paints a picture of our Creator: "The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love." If the Lord extends such vast compassion to us in our imperfections and past missteps, how much more should we strive to extend that same grace to ourselves? Imagine you're watching a dear friend from afar, seeing their struggles and triumphs with empathy. Extend that same gentle, non-judgmental understanding to your past self. Remember the context, the limited perspective, the emotions, and the wisdom of that time. See your past self through eyes of grace today.

Journal Prompts

• Who is the past version of yourself you’re choosing to shower with kindness and forgiveness today?

• How can reflecting on compassion and graciousness help you extend kindness to your past self?